New Tyres - Please recommend for UK

[ffynnondewi]

I am getting to the stage of requiring new tyres - I do approx >20,000 miles pa on motorways with cross country activities limited to launching a boat and taking the dogs for a walk. Can anyone make any sensible suggestions.
Thanks. Previously had Pirelli Scoprions ST

[TrueBlue]

Ffynnondewi,

From your handle I guess you are somewhat west of Brum, and as you have no signature (worthwhile putting something in it...) I don't know the age of your vehicle - come to think of it neither are too relavent for this topic - except for the availability of product.

I digress,

I am assuming you have the basic Scorpion ST, this is a mildly agressive off roadable tyre; it has chunky shoulders - good for grip in ice and mud, however, they are noisier than the tyres fitted to later cars which are STR (R= Road use??). I saw AWD*'s car at the Duxford meet where regaled us with his moderate off-road exploits - and I could see why he had no problems; they looked like Land Rover boots when compared with my STR's.

SO if you are happy with Pirelli, but want a quieter tyre, why not the STR? I'm happy with mine, seems OK on the M23 / M25 / M40, I don't notice any wandering from lane to lane.

As an aside, I am considering switching my wife's V70 tyres to a Nokian product as our transatlantic cousins rave about them. Not the WRs as that is overkill here, but the NRZi. Her wheels are 55% height so the only product for XCs would be the NRVi which is available in 215/65 R16 (http://www.nokiantyres.com/ts_size_en). Down here (that's why I was fishing for a location from you) I can get a good deal on them, and because of the positive US comments I assume Nokia is a quality product but suffers from lack of marketing. The web site gives lots of info and there some features which indicate some thought has been given to the design.

regards,

ps. I've just had a look at the pirelli UK website here (http://www.pirelli.co.uk/en_GB/tyres/catalog/tyre_category.jhtml?catid=UK_SUVON&productid=10507), where you can at least see the profiles of the two tyres - FWIW... click on "tyre description" to get a larger picture.

[ffynnondewi]

Thanks for all the info, I have a privately owned 2001 XC 70 manual, do need the mud for the soon to be illegal art of chasing rabbits with the terrier! (Wife has a 2.4 V70 2004 company model!) Live in Staffordshire, happy for a mail order source if you can. Ideally I need some mud handling ability otherwise I will be stuck for launching the Birmingham navy's fleet of boats when I go home to my native Pembrokeshire.. those were the days! Apologies for the delay in the reply, but I am often driving the country's motorways!

[ffynnondewi]

Think I have added a Signature but will see when I click on the "Submit" button!

[TrueBlue]

Signature Loud and Clear, ffynnondewi, and your notes clarify the position. Can't say much about tyre sources in Staffs: 'cos the only time I visit is by boat (narrow variety). I assume your reference to a Brum Navy is for something similar; but perhaps a bit more seaworthy!

As you are rushing about the motorways, I could mention Micheldever tyres, (http://www.micheldever.co.uk/) but they're near Winchester, so unless you come slummin' dahn sarf.... They do always come in much cheaper than anyone locally - even after allowing for the petrol to get there, and seem to be a professional outfit. Another long shot is Formula 4x4 in Stone - so that's probably not too far. They specialise in mud plugging tyres for "proper" off roaders - i.e. vehicles that one doesn't mind getting a bit bent 'round the edges, but worth a phone call.
I've never had much enthusiasm for mail order, prices were so-so, plus carriage, plus fitting - in the end worked out much more expensive.

My impression is that vehicle bits are much cheaper in the former homes of former British car manufacturers.

Anyway which tyre are you going for?

BTW the local dealer for Nokians in East Sussex does mail order (just as well 'cos he's really in the sticks). Address is on the Nokian UK dealers web page. Nokian do have national distribution through wholesalers, and Pirellis are as common as muck so the only challenge is:- which boot?

Have fun...

regards,

[Willy]

Perhaps you can think about using separate summer/winter tyres. It will add value to any AWD car in a number of ways (eg. when braking).
Extra cost: "just" 4 wheels.
Willy

[ffynnondewi]

As a child, we reffered to the Birmingham Navy as the holiday makers who invaded West Wales with their expensive speed boats and did'nt have a clue on how to manage any thing above a Force 2!...
Rang the Nokian distributor: Tyre Co, tel no 01323 844 600, who do not import the WR series Nokian. NRZi was recommended for high speed performance driving only. Do not see the point of fitting a tyre I cannot easily replace in case of a puncture etc so will probably settle for the Pirelli STR's.
On the back of your note, I rang Formula 4X4 in Stone who informed me of another XC70 owner, on the Isle Of Wight who fitted BF Goodrichs and wish he had'nt!
STR's are no more than £90 each inc VAT + £11 fitting - do you know of a cheaper supplier?
I have'nt paid much attention to the tyres on my wife's V70 as her company pay for hers and they rarely go less than 90mph!
Thanks for your help.
Phil

[ffynnondewi]

.... STR's £77 on www.mytyres.co.uk

[TrueBlue]

STR's £77 on www.mytyres.co.uk??? (http://www.mytyres.co.uk/???) I just looked and 215/65/ R16s were £69.40 inc delivery and VAT. Did that include an estimate for fitting??

I mentioned NRZi / NRHi 'cos they were seen as second tier tyres and priced accordingly. For SWMBO's V70 they were £65ish -fitted - (in the summer), but that's in West Sussex at a local very independent tyre dealer - hnce my suggestion that you look around in your area. The MyTyre price is a bit obscene; unless I am very much out of date...

Give Micheldever a ring, they may be able to point you to a friendly fitter; their price may persuade you to visit them.

Otherwise that's my lot.

Can other members help - Slender??


BTB you should be happy with STRs anyway.